Eliminating tobacco counterfeiting with Government Revenue Solutions

The Kingdom of Bahrain is setting new standards in revenue protection and trade transparency through the introduction of its advanced digital stamp scheme. Led by the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR), the system mandates that all tobacco products sold, traded or possessed in the Kingdom carry secure digital stamps, physically applied and digitally tracked from production to point of sale.

To support this, Bahrain adopted Certify™, De La Rue’s secure digital platform designed to identify, manage, authenticate and trace excise goods throughout the supply chain. Fully compliant with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) guidelines and GS1 standards, the platform provides real-time visibility and ensures products can be verified at every stage.

Manufacturers apply digital stamps and print unique codes onto each pack, supported by integrated line cameras and software that capture, upload and manage aggregation and shipment data. This system enables both government authorities and enforcement teams to verify product authenticity and monitor movement with greater precision.

By implementing a robust digital stamp programme, the Kingdom of Bahrain has taken a significant step toward strengthening revenue assurance, supporting regulatory compliance and contributing to wider efforts in combating illicit trade across the region.